Southern-Style Green Beans (Tender, Savory & Worth Every Minute!)

Southern-Style Green Beans (Tender, Savory & Worth Every Minute!)

Before we jump into today’s recipe, let me just say thank you for being here. Truly. Every time you cook along with me, send a message, or share a recipe with someone you love, it fills my kitchen (and my heart!) with so much joy. And today’s recipe? Ohhh… it’s a keeper.

You know how some dishes sneak up on you? You make them once, you’re pleasantly surprised… and then suddenly your entire family is begging for them at every holiday? Yep. These Southern-Style Green Beans are THAT dish. Long-simmered, smoky, buttery, savory, packed with tender green beans that practically melt when you pick them up—anything but boring!!

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What This Recipe Is All About

These Southern-Style Green Beans celebrate the slow-simmered Southern tradition: bacon, onions, garlic, broth, time… and magic. They’re silky, savory, deeply flavored, and absolutely unforgettable.

They’re the kind of side dish people eat before touching the turkey. I’ve seen it happen. More than once.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly tender green beans
• Layers of flavor from bacon, onion, garlic & broth
• Hands-off simmering time
• A simple side that pairs with anything
• Ideal for holidays OR weeknights
• Kid-approved (the biggest victory!)

What They Taste Like

Think: smoky bacon… sweet caramelized onion… buttery broth-soaked beans… a hint of heat from red pepper flakes… and that slow-cooked tenderness you only get when a vegetable has been lovingly simmered.

Yes, you’ll say goodbye to casserole. Yes, you’ll wonder why you ever cooked green beans any other way.

Benefits of This Recipe

• Affordable ingredients
• Large batch for gatherings
• Foolproof technique
• Incredible leftovers
• Works with fresh OR garden green beans

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Ingredients

• 4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, sliced
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flake
• 2 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed & halved
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Tools You’ll Need

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Cutting board & knife
• Measuring cups
• Tongs or ladle

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Ingredient Additions & Substitutions

Optional Add-Ins

• A splash of apple cider vinegar at the end
• Diced ham instead of bacon
• Onion powder for deeper flavor
• A pinch of smoked paprika

Substitutions

• Use turkey bacon for a lighter version
• Vegetable broth for a pork-free option
• Frozen green beans in a pinch (extend cook time)

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How to Make Southern-Style Green Beans

Step 1 – Cook the Bacon

In a heavy pot, cook chopped bacon until crisp.
Remove bacon and set aside, leaving all the flavorful fat in the pot.

Step 2 – Sauté Aromatics

Add onion and cook until soft.
Stir in garlic and red pepper flake until fragrant—about 1 minute.

Step 3 – Simmer the Beans

Add green beans, broth, and a pinch of salt.
Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and simmer 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Check liquid occasionally and add more if needed.

Step 4 – Finish

Stir in butter and the cooked bacon.
Season generously with salt & pepper.
Serve warm and prepare for compliments.

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What to Serve With Southern-Style Green Beans

These green beans pair beautifully with:

• Roast chicken
• Thanksgiving turkey
• Pork chops
• Meatloaf
• Mashed potatoes
• BBQ ribs or pulled pork
• Cornbread (yes, yes, YES)

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Tips for the Best Green Beans Ever

• Don’t rush the simmer — the time is what makes them Southern.
• Keep an eye on the broth so nothing burns.
• Add butter at the end for silky richness.
• Use thick bacon for maximum smoky flavor.
• The longer they rest, the better they taste.

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Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Up to 4 days
• Freezer: Up to 2 months
• Reheat: Simmer gently on the stove or microwave in short bursts

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General Information

• Yield: 6 servings
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 1 hour
• Diet: Not vegetarian
• Flavor profile: Savory, smoky, buttery

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead?

Yes! They reheat beautifully and taste even better on day two.

Can I use canned green beans?

You can, but reduce cook time to 20–25 minutes.

Are they spicy?

Not really—the pepper flakes add warmth, not heat.

Can I make them without bacon?

Absolutely—use olive oil or butter + extra seasoning.

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Conclusion

These Southern-Style Green Beans are tender, smoky, buttery, and unforgettable—exactly the kind of recipe that becomes a family tradition. Whether you’re serving them at Thanksgiving or a simple Tuesday night dinner, they’ll win over even the biggest green bean skeptics.

If you’re craving more Southern sides, hearty vegetables, or slow-cooked comfort food classics, I’ve got plenty more where this came from!

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Interactive Elements

Tried this recipe?
⭐ Leave a review!
📸 Share your green bean glory shots on Pinterest!
I LOVE seeing your table come to life.

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Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Serving)

• Calories: 145
• Fat: 9g
• Carbs: 10g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: varies by broth